Get matched with top roofers in Clearwater County, ID

Hiring a reliable roofing contractor requires finding a company in your area with years of experience, holds the necessary licensing, and has a history of positive customer reviews and services. Start by researching whether a roofer you’re considering hiring holds the necessary certifications. Consider requesting customer references from your top contenders. Finally, get quotes from a few roofing companies and decide which provides the best value overall.

Whether or not the terms of your roofing estimate are negotiable depends on the contractor. Some professional roofers will be willing to budge on labor fees to some extent, while others will simply walk away from the potential work rather than lower their fees. In most cases, it’s best not to negotiate the terms, as lower labor charges could lead to your contractor cutting corners. Material costs aren’t negotiable, but you could purchase them yourself to try to save on delivery fees and markups.

The most common defect in a flat roof is leaking. Flat roofs have minimal slope, so water pools more readily on a flat roof than on a sloped roof, and the risk of the waterproof membrane failing increases with exposure. Tears and punctures from foot traffic and blown debris are other common problems, especially with single-ply roofing membranes like TPO and EPDM roofs.

The proper specifications for furring strips can vary, so you should always consult the roofing manufacturer's guidelines or your roofer. However, general recommendations are as follows:

• Thickness: Furring strips are typically 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick, meaning standard 1-by or 2-by lumber works well. In areas with extreme winds, a thinner strip may be preferred to limit how much air can get under the roof and cause uplift. A thicker strip can add slightly more insulation but will also increase installation costs.

• Spacing: The recommended spacing for furring strips is between 12 and 24 inches apart on center. Proper spacing is crucial for ensuring good airflow, adequate drainage, noise reduction, and better energy efficiency. The ideal spacing can depend on the roof's pitch and the specific type of metal roofing being installed.